Leopold prosecutor to take on Baltimore police misconduct

Shelly S. Glenn, a state prosecutor who was handling the criminal case against Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold, is leaving her post to prosecute police misconduct in Baltimore.

"Shelly Glenn is a tremendous addition to our office," Baltimore State's Attorney Gregg Bernstein said. "In addition to her technical skills as a prosecutor, she possesses a great deal of experience handling cases involving misconduct by public servants. I'm looking forward to working with her in the months and years ahead."

Glenn has been with the state prosecutor's office, which investigates misconduct by public officials, since 2008. Prior to that, she spent 11 years with the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Office. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland law school.

Among the cases Glenn has handled at the state prosecutor's office has been the case against John Leopold, who is facing allegations that he misused his police detail for personal and political gain. That case is scheduled to go to trial in January.

Maryland State Prosecutor Emmet C. Davitt will take over the Leopold case in Glenn’s absence. Deputy State Prosecutor Thomas M. McDonough will also help, the officer’s chief investigator James I. Cabezas said.

“The departure of Ms. Glenn will not in anyway disrupt the state's intent to go forward,” Cabezas said, adding that he doesn’t expect Leopold’s January trial to be delayed.

She was part of the team that prosecuted former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, and lead on the case against Del. Tiffany Alston, who entered a guilty plea this week to charges of misconduct in office after being accused of using campaign funds to pay for her wedding.

Glenn replaces Janice Bledsoe, a longtime defense attorney who according to the state's attorney's office resigned "to pursue other opportunities" in August.

"I share State's Attorney Bernstein's commitment to serve the public by aggressively pursuing allegations of misconduct, no matter who the suspects are or what kind of office they hold," Glenn said in a statement.